Kia is rapidly expanding its electric vehicle (EV) lineup. With the EV6 and EV9 already established, and the EV3 rolling out in Europe with a North American release slated for next year, the EV5 is likely next in line. But what’s on the horizon after that? The Kia EV4 is a strong contender. Initially showcased as a concept at Kia’s EV Day in 2023, the futuristic hatchback appeared slightly smaller than the EV6 while retaining key design elements. While details remain scarce, we’ve gathered everything we know so far about the potential Kia EV4.
Design and Styling
The concept EV4 is noticeably smaller than the EV6 and considerably more compact than the EV9, resembling a sedan or hatchback with its open trunk area. This blurring of lines between sedan and hatchback has led to recent sightings of a fully realized hatchback version undergoing testing. This suggests Kia may be leaning towards a hatchback design for the EV4, or perhaps offering both sedan and hatchback variants.
The concept version features sharp, angular lines, particularly at the rear, culminating in an extended body that resembles a spoiler. Angular taillights complement this design. While the concept boasts a sloping roofline extending down the trunk, the tested version showcases a more traditional hatchback shape. The concept’s matte gold finish is likely to be replaced by a range of color options for a production model.
Kia EV4 Rear Side
The concept EV4’s interior is equally striking. An oval steering wheel, minimalistic beige interior, and a dominant infotainment/instrument screen create a futuristic ambiance. However, Kia has a history of modifying concept interiors for production. It’s reasonable to expect a more conventional interior in the production EV4. Test models have been spotted with traditional steering wheels, although this could change before release.
Kia EV4 Interior
Technology Features
While Kia remains tight-lipped about the EV4’s tech features, we anticipate standard driver-assistance systems like lane centering and adaptive cruise control, alongside potentially more advanced features like Kia’s automatic parking technology. The EV4 will likely share software with other Kia models, and compatibility with CarPlay and Android Auto is a reasonable assumption.
Potential Models and Powertrain
Kia has not disclosed the EV4’s powertrain details. Multiple models are expected, potentially including single- and dual-motor variants, along with standard and long-range options. A GT-Line with unique styling and a performance-focused GT model are also possibilities. If Kia aims for a lower price point, a single-motor version might be the initial offering.
Charging and Range
Details on the EV4’s charging speed and range are scarce. While the EV6 and EV9 utilize an 800-volt architecture for 350-kilowatt fast charging, the EV5 and EV3 are based on a 400-volt architecture, suggesting a similar approach for the EV4. This would limit its charging speed compared to its higher-numbered siblings.
Kia EV4 Side
Range predictions are challenging. A smaller battery than Kia’s larger vehicles is likely, but a lighter weight could compensate. A range of at least 300 miles is a hopeful target, considering the EV3’s anticipated range options.
Price and Availability
Following Kia’s pattern, lower model numbers generally indicate lower prices. We estimate the EV4’s price to fall between $30,000 and $40,000. However, no official pricing information is available.
Kia EV4 Front
U.S. availability remains uncertain. The smaller car market in the U.S. raises questions, but recent sightings of the hatchback EV4 undergoing testing in the U.S. suggest a potential launch.
Release Date
Kia hasn’t announced a release date for the EV4. The EV3 launch likely precedes the EV4’s release, although more information, including production model images, could emerge soon. Increased testing activity suggests an impending wider launch. We anticipate an official announcement in 2025, with production starting late that year and a full release as a 2026 model.
